October 30, 2006
Light Wand !!


Frequently we try to post different tips and available tools on procedures. As we talked before, orotracheal intubation remained one of the most essential but could be the most frustrating procedure in ICU. Different tools have been developed in this regard. Out of those one technique is illuminated stylet (trade name 'light wand' from Vital Signs, Inc).

Idea is to provide trans illuminated intubation. Bright light at tip of stylet provides excellent verification of positioning even during difficult intubations. Actually, blind intubation can be performed just with the guidance of light illuminating the skin above the thyroid cartilage as it enters the larynx (will not illuminate if it enter esophagus). You can perform intubation without neck movement or even without laryngoscope but only following light illumination with success rate reported around 95%. The commercial product promise of not rising the surface temperature of the ET Tubeabove 42 C. Also it doesn't require battery but the life of illumination is 3 hours.

The only limitation is obese neck.


Related Previous Pearls:

Airtraq , How many attempts to intubate?


Note: icuroom.net has no financial relationship with any company. Info provided here is 100% for educational purpose.